Being a positive person is about having a positive mind set. It’s not looking or being happy all the time, but how we “see” the things that go on in our life and the world around us.
Researches have discovered some benefits of positivity are: increased life span, lower rates of depression, lower levels of distress, greater resistance to the common cold, better psychological and physical well-being, reduced risk of death through cardiovascular disease, and better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
Having a positive mindset doesn’t mean that we keep our head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations, but it does relate to what we do with disappointments and unpleasantness after we’ve gotten past the initial feelings of anger and sadness.
A positive mindset can make such a difference to the quality of our life. There are going to be disappointments but if we are to live the life God desires for us we have to learn to manage and create ways to think which make things better and not worse.
One of the great things I have learnt, is that when we know Jesus and have invited Him to lead our life He says we have His mind – “the mind of Christ”. That means we have access to the thoughts, wisdom and understanding of God. We actually have all the positivity we need because love is positive, and God is love.
“For, who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”. (1 John 4:8)
Left to my own devices and weakness I used to fall into the trap of fear and worry. However in Christ – knowing Jesus I have experienced first hand the change to my own way of thinking, and consequently my actions. I remember a group of people I knew commented that I was just “too happy all the time”. I laughed because that just proves what a difference Jesus can make to our lives. As long as we stay connected and abiding in Him, His positivity and joy will flow into every area of our hearts and minds, renewing us day by day.
Our self talk – the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through our minds starts to change as we choose to listen to what God says about us in His word – that’s why we need to read it every day! Without His positivity feeding our thoughts we can entertain self-talk that is full of misconceptions we create through lack of information, our fears, what we watch and listen to, or our past.
God says we are over comers and that He gives strength to the weary. He binds up the broken-hearted and comforts all those who mourn. (Romans 8:39, Isaiah 40:29, Isaiah 61:2, Matthew 5:4)
Today, I encourage you to seek Jesus and His way of thinking. Made it a habit to self talk “His” talk about your day, instead of “self-talking” negatives and fear. It makes such a difference to the quality of our overall life and health. God is good, and today if you are reading this you are still alive, and God has a reason and purpose for you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. (Romans 12:2 NKJV)
Prayer: Lord I choose to talk how you talk today and to fill my mind with positivity and life giving thoughts. Thank you that you love me so much, and have good things in store for me. In Jesus Name. Amen.